Can I connect a mac mini to a macbook air?

Piechos Said:

"That was not really what I asked for but... The reason my MacBook is so slow Is that "Kernel_Task" is taking up about 256% of the CPU with only the activity monitor open. The fans are always maxed out and I noticed the few seconds I have before the fans kick in everything runs instantly. I've reinstalled everything, the OS, Everything but nothing happens... Any ideas about that?"

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Some Ideas Regarding this:

A. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe Mode, login items do not run, and corrupt system files(i.e. caches) are intentionally reset as a way to fix issues.

1. Boot: in to Safe Mode: [Hold Down: shift key upon boot].
2. Log in: as same user
3. Wait: 30 seconds
4. Restart; your Mac
5. Log in: as same user

See if this now works

B. Try Another User:

Create a new administrator user, and see if you get this error. If you do, then it is likely an issue of the macOS as a whole. If you do not get this issue, then is it likely an issue with the users your are using while reporting this.

C. Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. uninstallations), system configurations (i.e. for Ports) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM. Try performing each thrice. It may take sometime, being certain you have the time to perform these resets.

D. Restore from Backup:

First, Create a Time Machine Backup:

Did you ever create a Time Machine backup of your MacBook Air prior to this occurrence? If so. restore your Mac from it. If not, then take this as a learning experience, knowing to always backup your Mac every so often to avoid issues like this from occurring. Be certain you create a backup today, prior to performing this restoration, so that you can use Migration Assistant to migrate certain data back in (but not all data, as the same issues would occur).

To answer your question: No, you cannot use an old laptop as a monitor. You need an external monitor or a TV if it has the right ports.

In the meantime, it appears that your hard drive has failed. If it will not boot up, you can try recovery mode to see if it will boot into that. If not, the only other choice is to take it to Apple or an authorized service provider to see if it is worth replacing the drive.

Piechos Said: Said:

"I just shut off my computer to do what you said, it's not waking up anymore... When I press the start button the charging thing turns green for a second then back to orange... Any ideas?"

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It is Charging:

Colors, and what they mean...

• Orange: It is charging
• Green: It is Fully Charged

So, your battery is likely dead - so, let it it change, and try using in a couple of hours. Please it atop a laptop color, if an available option, to keep it cool.

Piechos Said:

"Can I connect a mac mini to a macbook air?[...]My MacBook is really slow but I wonder if I can somehow if the computer stays put (not moving it ever around) connected to a mac mini can solve this.[...]"

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If slow...

See if your Hard Drive is Failing:

What to Try:

• Verify your Drive: Repair your Disk in Disk Utility - Apple Support
• Go Here: If your Mac Starts Up to an Apple Logo or Progress Bar - Apple Support
• Perform the following in Recovery Mode:

1. Boot: into Recovery Mode (Hold Down: [command + R] upon boot)
2. Select: Disk Utility
3. Select: the Drive
4. Click: First Aid button

Piechos Said:

"Can I connect a mac mini to a macbook air?: I'm thinking about buying a mac mini, but wonder if I can use my MacBook air as display and keyboard, as it will just get pricy if-else.[...]"

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Try Using Target Disk Mode:

I'm not so certain what you mention would be an option. But if your ultimate goal here is to gather data from another computer's hard drive, then try using Target Disk Mode. There are new rules with Big Sur and with the M1 Chip, when it comes to using it. You'd be reading the data on the other Mac, as the connected Mac would show up as a hard drive.

• Learn More Here: Transfer Tiles Between Two Mac Computers Using Target Disk Mode - Apple Support
• Troubleshooting this: Target Disk Mode Not Working on Your Mac? Here’s How to Fix It - AppleTooBox

If it does not boot up, yes, then it's time to have the professionals run some diagnostics. Since it is 8 years old, you need to prepare yourself that it has reached the end of life. If it is the hard drive, that could be replaced, but you need to remember the age vs. the cost - is it worth it.